Columns

Each year, millions of Americans resolve to get in better shape and become healthier versions of themselves. According to a recent YMCA survey of more than 1,000 adults, less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolution in 2014. An overwhelming 71 percent said they tried but fell short, and 40 percent confessed that they made it through only a couple of weeks or months.

While working in Germany this week, I decided to make the most of the weather by taking a little stroll. Temps are in the 40s, but compared to the frigid temperatures I left in Indiana, Berlin is a tropical paradise.

I have the privilege of officiating at many weddings. The challenge at the wedding ceremony is to always add a few personal words of inspiration, words the couple and those attending will remember. I often recommend the following strategies for opening up our hearts to one another. These strategies can be applied to any true relationship.

A man sent a check to the government for back taxes with a note attached that said, “I felt so guilty for cheating on my taxes I had to send you this check. If I don’t feel any better, I’ll send you the rest.”

It’s been a few years since The Oldham Era sponsored a readers’ choice awards contest and we weren’t sure how it would go over, but our readers did not disappoint.

We printed a ballot in several issues of the Era and the Market and provided an online survey for readers to cast their votes. More than 600 voters told us who they thought represented the best Oldham County had to offer in the categories of restaurants, shopping, services, public places and events, outstanding individuals and more.

“Creating Kentucky jobs and strengthening Kentucky families” -- this is how our caucus defined the overall goals of the Senate this session, and I’m proud to report that four of our priority bills to accomplish those objectives passed the Senate in our first week, and are now on the way to the House.

As the Senate has done in previous sessions under the direction of Senate President Robert Stivers, members of leadership were elected prior to the start of session so when the 2015 General Assembly convened, we were able to get straight to business.

Have you ever wondered why the world is so beautiful, so impressive, so big? Nobody knows how big the heavens are with millions, maybe billions, of stars. Why is it that every morning the glory of a sunrise comes over the earth and every evening the quiet beauty of a sunset? It could have been arranged so the day would come and go in some less impressive manner.

Let’s talk about the president. Not the current president — the next president.

We don’t know who the next president will be. All we know is that it won’t be Barack Obama. For about 45 percent of Americans, that’s a great thing. For another 45 percent, that’s a bad thing. For the other 10 percent, the good or bad may be based on who the next president will be.

The New Year is here and we can vow to eat healthier this year. Maybe you should try a new restaurant, here locally we have Mexican, Chinese or Italian, among others. I have to go to Louisville to get Irish, German or other unique ethnic foods.